Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of the past through the collection and investigation of monuments and artefacts.

Cork has a wide and magnificent range of archaeological sites that date back over 9000 years ago. These sites include: prehistoric tombs, mines, ritual sites, Early Christian Ringforts and monasteries, medieval castles, churches, and abbeys.

The vast majority of artefacts are found during the course of an archaeological excavation, and are stored or displayed in designated museums. All archaeological excavations are carried out under licence from the National Monuments Service. A database containing summary accounts of all the excavations carried out in Ireland from 1970 is available here.

Cork City & County Museums and the National Museum of Ireland have a wide collection of artefacts found in the County of Cork. All archaeological objects that come to light belong to the State and should be reported to the National Museum of Ireland or a designated local museum within 96 hours of the discovery.

The main method of protection is through the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which was established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. Two months notification of any works at or to a Recorded monument to the Minister of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht is required under this legislation.

A number of monuments are designated National Monuments, these tend to be in State or Local Authority ownership/guardianship or are subject to a preservation order. Cork County has 168 sites designated as National Monuments (available to view here). Ministerial Consent is required for any works at, or close, to a National Monument. Notification and Ministerial Consent forms are available here.

With its extensive coastline and waterways, Cork has a rich underwater archaeological heritage. Wrecks over 100 years old and archaeological objects found underwater are protected under law.

It is illegal to dig or dive for archaeological objects anywhere in the state or its territorial seas without the written consent of the Minister.

Cork County Council is committed to the protection of the county’s archaeological heritage through our wide range of activities and our various policies and objectives in the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, Building Conservation programme, Heritage Plan projects and other strategic documents.

Archaeology and the Planning process

All planning applications are screened and assessed for impact on the known archaeological sites and their Zones of Archaeological Potential. This is the area where there is potential subsurface archaeology. If your proposed site is archaeologically sensitive, you may be required to employ an archaeologist to carry out an archaeological impact assessment or to monitor the ground works.

You can contact the County Archaeologist for preplanning advice. Cork County Council may attach conditions related to archaeology to individual planning permissions on the recommendation of the County Archaeologist and the National Monuments Service.

Where can I contact an archaeologist?

The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland have a directory of archaeologists available on their website.

Archaeology and Education

Cork County Council encourages the promotion of, and education about, the archaeological heritage of the county. The educational resource Archaeology in the Classroom provides lessons on all aspects of archaeological heritage for both primary and secondary schools. It is available online at www.itsabouttime.ie.

There are a number of heritage specialists in Cork that are willing to come to a school under the Heritage in Schools Scheme, which is run by the Heritage Council.

Historic Graveyards

The vast majority of historic graveyards are associated with medieval churches. These are in the care of Cork County Council or Church bodies, and are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-1994.

Historic Monuments Advisory Committee (HMAC)

The HMAC was established under the National Monuments Act 1930 for the purpose of providing advice and assistance in the preservation and protection of archaeological monuments in every county in Ireland. It is composed of Elected Members, invited specialists and relevant Local Authority officers. The group is involved in a wide range of activities and steers and advise the Council’s Conservation Works Team who have successful completed a number of conservation projects. These projects will ensure the long term preservation of important medieval buildings. Recent works include Bridgetown Abbey, Ballyhea, Kildorrery and St Mologga Church.

Selection of Archaeological sites accessible to visit in for each Municipal District (MD)